Lambie's attempt to ban niqab 'a joke'

Members of the Muslim community have labelled United Palmer Senator Jacqui Lambie's latest attack on the niqab as 'a joke'.

In a media statement Ms Lambie outlined her draft bill, which would see people with face coverings in public fined on the spot up to $3,400 and a potential prison sentence for parents, if found guilty of forcing their teenage girls to wear the hijab or niqab.

Her bid to outlaw the controversial face covering comes after an ASIO report stated that banning the niqab could create further tension between communities.